Six West Coast Experiences

By Amber Turnau

As British Columbians, we sometimes forget how incredible it is to have vast stretches of Pacific shoreline at our fingertips. As the weather turns fine, it’s time to celebrate our good fortune and rediscover old favourites—and seek new adventures—with some quintessentially West Coast experiences.

Enjoy Scenic Views From The Sky

Hopping on a floatplane is a novel way to explore the drama and beauty of the West Coast. View the colourful landscapes from a bird’s-eye view as you soar above the Salish Sea and its secluded inlets and scattered islands. Point out familiar places etched into the patchwork: glassy harbours, hidden lakes, and ant-like cabins sprinkled along rocky points.

Harbour Air Seaplanes offer a scenic and speedy 35-minute flight to and from the mainland. You can also take a panoramic city tour or do a Fly ‘N Dine Tour to The Butchart Gardens. Scenic tours are also available.

Based in Sechelt, Coast Air also offers a variety of scenic flightseeing tours and packages that explore plunging waterfalls, sprawling coastline, and seaside communities.

Learn more about Sunshine Coast Air and AirCovid-19 safety measures.

Savour Ocean Vistas

The West Coast is as much a state of mind as it is a geographic area: there’s nothing like salty ocean air to leave you feeling fresh-faced and alive. Immerse yourself in the elements and attune your body to the timing of the wind and waves.

With its expanse of forest-fringed beaches, the Sunshine Coast offers plenty of opportunities to look out over the cool waters of the Pacific. Stop by one of the many oceanside parks that dot the coast, or take in panoramic views from high atop the mountain peaks as you hike the Coast Trail.

With one of the longest shorelines in Canada, Vancouver Island’s eastern coastline is best explored from a boat . Grab a coffee at the oceanfront Café, then head to Point Park. Or, take the 10-minute ferry to (formerly known as Newcastle Island)to explore village sites of the Snuneymuxw people, as well as walking trails and campsites. Head further north up the coast to and take a walk along the expansive shoreline of Beach Provincial Park, where the Pacific Ocean meets the land.

Grab a picnic lunch in Victoria before venturing off for a day trip to Mystic Beach in de Fuca Provincial Park. Stroll the beach at low tide, and listen to the barnacle's bubble as you inhale the primordial scent of the sea; feel the buzzing energy of a thriving ecosystem and run your fingers over neon ferns.

Discover Coastal Wildlife

The West Coast’s towering forests and moody shores are home to a rich and biodiverse array of sea and land creatures. Eagles swoop from tree to tree, surveilling the shorelines. Seabirds dive below the surface in search of their next meal, and opalescent jellyfish glide gently through the emerald depths. Onshore, coastal land-dwellers move swiftly and silently at dawn and dusk.

Taking a guided nature viewing tour is a great way to discover secret wildlife havens and learn about the ecology and history of the area. Groups of up to six people can explore the Sunshine Coast’s Sechelt Inlet by Zodiac with Pedals and Paddles. Harbour seals, bears, and occasional orcas frequent these waters.

Head deep into Broughton Archipelago, the traditional territory of the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nation, with Sea Wolf Adventures. Departing from McNeill (North of Cove), these tours offer an intimate and immersive opportunity to learn about the land and culture from Indigenous guides, while spotting local wildlife, including grizzly bears, eagles, and whales.  The Kwakwaka’wakw people have a deep connection with all wildlife, but particularly orcas, who often appear in ceremonial masks, songs, and stories.

Spend Time On The Ocean

Indigenous people have been paddling the coast since time immemorial, protectors of our waterways. We often experience the coast by looking out at the ocean from the comfort of land—a beach, a scenic viewpoint, a rocky perch. But what do we see differently when we change our vantage point and look back at the land from the water?

Egmont, a small village located about one hour north is a gateway to exploration along the wilder side of the Coast. The Adventure Centre offers jet ski and kayak equipment rentals, as well as a host of exhilarating tours. Explore the serene waters of Hotham Sound and Sechelt Inlet, or zip through the Skookumchuk Rapids by speed boat in search of waterfalls.

Take a guided fishing charter with Coastal Wilderness Adventures in River, known as a salmon hotspot. While the goal is to find a tasty salmon, memorable experiences come from looking at BC’s coastal landscapes, breathing in the salty air, and bearing witness to the thriving marine environment.

Listen to the gentle pull of a paddle through the ocean as you steer your nimble kayak through glassy waters. Take an interpretive tour of the coast with Blue Dog Kayakingjust outside —you might even see a regal Great Blue Heron. Or, glide through the waters of the Coast with Kayak & Hike Explorations.

Enjoy A Seaside Stay

Staying at an oceanfront accommodation offers a cozy perch from which to witness the many moods of the West Coast. With the ebb and flow of the tides, there’s always something new and interesting to see at the water’s edge: a boat passing by, a coastal creature, or a new way the sunlight illuminates your favourite viewpoint.

Stay off the grid in rustic cabins in the heart of Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park at the Desolation Eco Resort, located on a remote island. Explore the calm waters by SUP and kayak, enjoy an evening dip in bioluminescence, and savour fresh-caught seafood.

The Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spain adds a touch of luxury to your seaside stay. The Valley is set against the backdrop of pristine beaches, waterfalls, and nature trails. Adventure during the day, then treat yourself to the spa, including their signature hydrotherapy experience in sandstone caves.

Tucked away in Madeira Park in Pender Harbour, the Boat Resort Spa & Marina makes for a comfortable and cozy waterfront stay. Watch the resident eagles fly overhead and enjoy a sunset cocktail on your deck overlooking the harbour. Dubbed the “Venice of the North,” Harbour is known for its intricate network of waterways, perfect for casual paddling. Watch for the bronze mermaid statue on the rock out front that reveals itself at low tide.

There are plenty of oceanfront accommodations in BC to choose from.

Immerse Yourself In West Coast Culture

You may already have explored some of the sleepy seaside villages and buzzing cities that pepper our expansive coastline, but there’s always something new to see—and it’s just a scenic BC Ferriesride away.

Head to Victoria to rediscover favourite haunts and see the city through fresh eyes. Discover culinary gems, cocktail bars, and craft breweries; or a bicycle or scooter and head to Beacon Hill Park and Fisherman’s Wharf. If you haven’t been—and even if you have—don’t miss Butchart Gardensto see why your fellow BC residents love it here.

The lush Cowichan Valley, with its bounty of vineyards, orchards, and farmland, has the added bonus of sitting close to the sea. Sample fresh, coastal cuisine and savour craft beverages at local farmers' markets and eateries dotting fertile valleys.

Explore wild coastal landscapes and the Indigenous culture of northern Vancouver Island with a visit to Port Hardy, located on the traditional territories of the Kwakwaka’wakw people. For a deeper cultural connection, stay at the Indigenous-owned Kwa’lilas Hotel, which boasts First Nations-inspired west coast cuisine and a curated selection of stunning artwork and carvings by the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations.

Originally published on HelloBC.com